"Hm?"
The moment
At the same time, Chu Feng could feel what seemed like two invisible gazes fall upon him.
Though the gazes were invisible, they carried an incomparably cold intent. It was as though Chu Feng had been thrust into the depths of a frozen wasteland; every hair on his body stood on end in an instant.
Yet despite that, Chu Feng remained composed and unperturbed. He lifted his head to look at the ancient war sword and spoke with remarkable calm:
"
"Chu Feng, have you lost your mind? This has nothing to do with you — why must you throw your life away?"
When she saw Chu Feng offering to die in place of the Ancient War Clan members, the Queen, who had been seated within the Spirit Formation space, sprang to her feet in alarm and hurriedly tried to dissuade him.
Her words did not go unheard. The members of the Ancient War Clan all changed expressions. Though they could not raise their heads and could not see Chu Feng's face at that moment, they had heard his words.
They had heard it clearly — Chu Feng was willing to die for them.
"You would die in their stead?" the ancient war sword asked.
"Chu Feng, take back what you just said! You have no relation to them whatsoever — how can you die for them?"
Before Chu Feng could answer, the Queen spoke up once more, desperately trying to dissuade him.
However, Chu Feng paid her no heed whatsoever. Instead, he addressed the ancient war sword again:
"This matter began because of me, and has nothing to do with them. I am willing to die in their place."
"However, there is a spirit dwelling within my body who has no involvement in this either. Senior, with your vast and unfathomable power, you surely possess the means to kill me alone without harming her. So I humbly ask that you take only my life and let her go."
"That is quite possible. I can sever the bond between you, kill you, and return her to the world she belongs to," the ancient war sword replied.
"In that case, please proceed, Senior," Chu Feng said calmly.
"You truly are not afraid of death?" the ancient war sword asked. At this point, the tone in which it addressed Chu Feng had undergone a noticeable shift.
It was no longer the lofty, condescending manner from before. Now, it seemed filled with genuine curiosity toward Chu Feng.
"Of course I'm afraid of death. Tell me — who among all living beings isn't? But even if I fear death, I cannot allow these people to die because of me."
"A real man must shoulder certain responsibilities. Otherwise… he is no man at all," Chu Feng said.
"Very good. I admire your courage. You are far more worthy than these wretches."
"Therefore, I'll give you one more chance. Think it over carefully," the ancient war sword said.
Just as Chu Feng was about to speak, a voice filled with a volatile mixture of fury and concern rang in his ear.
"Chu Feng, shut your mouth this instant! You could survive this — why must you die for them?"
"Think of your father. Think of your mother. To die here like this — don't you think that would be a terrible waste?"
"Can you face your father, trapped in the Lower Realm, like this?"
"Can you face your mother, who braved the Asura Spirit Realm itself just to seal us within your body for your sake?"
It was the Queen. She was screaming, roaring, her beautiful face streaked with fury.
She rarely acted this way, but today the reason was simple — she did not want Chu Feng to die for nothing.
In her eyes, this was simply far too great a sacrifice for far too little.
"Sorry. If I die here today, I would indeed be letting my parents down."
"But… I cannot stand by and watch these people die because of me."
"Besides, there is one more important thing, Your Majesty. I have a feeling this may all be an act," Chu Feng said.